Like everything that evolves over time, there are some changes in this year's Brockport Summer Arts Festival. For the past six years the arts festival was a three-day event, starting on Friday and continuing through Sunday. This year organizers have gone to a two-day event, just on Saturday and Sunday.

Is it a sign that interest in the festival is waning? Absolutely not. It's an acknowledgment by BISCO and promoter Jeff Springut that most artists and vendors prefer a two-day venue over a three-day event.

"Starting on Friday meant that some artists had to take time off their regular jobs to come here," said BISCO President George Dahl. "Some weren't willing or able to do that." The move seems to be paying off. More artists have signed up than in the past, and according to Dahl, higher quality artisans are being attracted.

The Brockport Arts Festival will still feature a Village Market - an area for manufactured items that are not part of the juried arts and crafts show. Dahl is hoping that this section of the festival attracts participation by local farm markets this year.

"What a great way to show off our locally grown produce," Dahl said, noting that the Brockport area is replete with farm markets with a variety of specialties. "I think it would add a new dimension to the festival."

Entertainment remains a high point of the festival with three performance stages - the main stage on Market Street, a second on King Street, and a third in Sagawa Park. The big attraction Saturday night is country singer Julie Dunlap who will be preceded by It's My Party, a 50s band.

Brockport Merchants participate in the festival by providing education/entertainment activities in front of their stores. Many like to take advantage of the tremendous influx of out-of-towers to attract new clientele into their businesses.

As always, those who need a break from the festival crowd can wander along the canal path which has been turned into a park-like setting. Three playgrounds with new equipment lie within easy walks of Main Street, giving festival-goers with young children a chance to burn off some energy. And for those who appreciate historic architecture, a stroll along virtually any street off of Main will take visitors past some well-preserved homes.